Emergency Rudders Show-and-Tell

[Philpott]

Bob Johnston and I were sitting in Dura Mater's cockpit today, and I mentioned that, for me, the emergency rudder is the single most daunting barrier to preparation for doing the Long Pac. Of course, it is a very good idea to have one aboard anytime one sails offshore, too, as David Herrigel and Max Crittenden have recently learned. Bob suggested that a "sweep" might serve as a reasonable emergency rudder for DM. According to Wikipedia, a "sweep or sweep-oar rowing is a type of rowing when a rower has one oar, usually held with both hands". Here are some possibilities, just to get the ideas flowing:

http://www.diy-wood-boat.com/Sculling.html

http://www.solopublications.com/sailario.htm

http://www.diy-wood-boat.com/Sculling.html

and for that diva of boats, Ragtime! - here's a real classy option:
http://www.shawandtenney.com/product-category/sculls-adirondack-specialty-and-large-oars

 

[Wylieguy]

Jackie, A sweep worked in practice on my Santana 22 (but then I never really tested it in an emergency situation). I lashed it to the outboard, using the outboard as the gudgeons/pintles. But it was work! I had to pay constant attention and found that a reefed main and 90% jib was about as much sail as the rig would handle. I have serious doubts that a sweep would work on a boat as large and heavy as yours - especially in any kind of wind or seaway. You'd need a very long oar for the blade end to stay in the water and the "lever" end long enough to give you the leverage you'd probably need. And lots of strength for whatever time it takes for you to get to refuge. On the LongPac that can be several days, especially if you've slowed way down to keep things under control.

My choice would be a "soft" rudder as Paul Kamen discusses and provides plans for in the "Resource" pages on this SSS website. It can be constructed from parts of broken spars (which should be available) and an old sail (which someone like Kame probably has sitting around. The only fittings are the ones you'd use to attach it to your transom, so the expense and the installation wouldn't be too bad. It doesn't take up much room when stowed. Since you keep your boat at the BYC and probably see Paul, ask him. - Pat

 

[Lightspeed]

All options to get home safe with an E-Rudder are good it all depends on your lever of comfort and how far off shore you are. Paul was Lightspeed's navigator in the 2012 PacCup and he excels in safety with simplicy. I would use his E-rudder in a pinch as a backup close to shore but xx miles off shore could be a lot of work.

if you are serious about going off shore and you love your wife and grandkids, invest in a caset e-rudder. I got mine from Gordie.

 

[mike cunningham]

All options to get home safe with an E-Rudder are good it all depends on your lever of comfort and how far off shore you are. Paul was Lightspeed's navigator in the 2012 PacCup and he excels in safety with simplicy. I would use his E-rudder in a pinch as a backup close to shore but xx miles off shore could be a lot of work.

if you are serious about going off shore and you love your wife and grandkids, invest in a caset e-rudder. I got mine from Gordie.

Well said, I finally realized my safety is more about my family than it is about me.

I own a Freedom 30. A guy on the East coast happened to come across an neglected F30 and was parting it out. I bought the rudder which is in excellent condition. I plan to try macgyvering a way to use the rudder in a custom cassette. I am worried about the weight but I think I can make it work. This way I kill two birds. I have the emergency rudder and I have an actual spare rudder for the boat. When I get my hands on the thing in a few weeks I have to figure out how to do the cassette.

 

[BobJ]

Dura Mater has a strong, single-piece double pulpit (not pushpit!) that wraps around the stern and provides a solid base to support the pivot point for a steering oar/sweep. We borrowed an oar from a nearby small boat to estimate the length and blade size and estimated it needed to be 12' long with a good-sized blade. The idea isn't to use it as a pivoting rudder (like Pat was doing with his outboard) but to use the leverage of the long oar to "scull" the stern around. Yes, it could be a workout in big seas.

I think it would have as good a chance of working as many other options I've seen. I suggested she try it before spending the big bucks and drilling a bunch of holes in DM's transom. She could probably even borrow one for testing from one of the local whaleboat rowing groups. I also said "it may not work" several times.

It could be lashed to the forward stanchions when not in use.

Also, this is to meet the rule for our local ocean races that there be an awareness of emergency steering options. It may not be sufficient for the SHTP.

 

[The Smokester]

I took the coward's route and bought an M-Rud from Scanmar at the boat show. Hooked it up to the "artificial wind" tiller pilot I got from Brian Boschma and motored up and down Petrero reach. Doesn't turn on a dime but looks good enough to make it home in a pinch.

 

[BobJ]

I watched Scanmar's old video (I don't know if it's still on their site) of Jonathan Livingston assembling and installing an M-Rud on Punk Dolphin FROM THE DOCK. After watching it, I'd want that sucker to be fully assembled and ready to install before I headed out. I'd also put a spare halyard on it (and another one on me) before I tried to hang over the transom to install it.

That said, about two-thirds of recent SHTP'ers have used the stand-alone or Monitor-attached M-Rud as their e-steering solution.

 

[svShearwater]

We have the SOS rudder on Shearwater (J/120) with one clever modification (previous owner) that makes it more possible to install underway. Each of the 4 brackets on the transom has a metal tapered "plug" bolted to it. So rather than trying to get the arms of the SOS to line up with the brackets and get a pin through each one, you just get the top two arms to slide over the plugs, pin those, and then hinge the whole unit down using a halyard for support until the lower arms slide over the plugs.

For Spadefoot which is only 28 feet and 2700 pounds (modern Express 27) we are considering two options. Using the spinnaker pole attached to the stern lifelines and with lines led from the aft tip to the transom corners and forward to winches. The spinnaker pole would have a bit of chain attached to the aft tip and a halyard attached to the aft tip to keep the pole in the water the correct amount. I believe Bill Lee suggested this rig. We are going to try that out soon with the transom hung rudder removed. If that doesn't work then we will go for a cassette (continue racing) rudder. The spinnaker pole idea isn't so different from the sweep idea except we already have a 9' 6" pole and the since it hinges at one tip and steered by control lines led to the aft tip it doesn't have to be as long as a sweep.

 

[The Smokester]

I watched Scanmar's old video (I don't know if it's still on their site) of Jonathan Livingston assembling and installing an M-Rud on Punk Dolphin FROM THE DOCK. After watching it, I'd want that sucker to be fully assembled and ready to install before I headed out. I'd also put a spare halyard on it (and another one on me) before I tried to hang over the transom to install it.

That said, about two-thirds of recent SHTP'ers have used the stand-alone or Monitor-attached M-Rud as their e-steering solution.

Yes you are right about this. I put it on single handed while I was berthed in my nice quiet slip just to see if it was even possible. The main difficulty is trying to slip the clevis pin through the small hole to join the rudder (which is a little heavy, awkward with one hand and bobbing up and down behind the boat) to the steering shaft. I was eventually able to adjust the various ropes holding it to the boat so that the pin finally went in. Sure would be hard in a bouncing seaway. I am working on some messenger lines to help make the process easier.

Another thought: A while back there was a suggestion for a short race where, partway through, racers would switch over to their emergency steering and use that to complete the race. Is there any life to this idea?

 

[BobJ]

Per this thread's header and a call from our Commodore yesterday: This coming Saturday (16 May) at Richmond Yacht Club. We'll meet at the end of D Dock or between D and E at 1000 to look at stuff, then those who can will take an observer or two aboard and head out around Noon. We'll be back by 1500 (maybe earlier if there aren't many boats).

If you're unfamiliar with RYC, E and D docks are the second and third docks on your left when you come into the harbor. If you turn into the second fairway (between D & E) there may also be a little space to tie up all the way in towards the shore. Otherwise we'll raft up on the end of D. From the land side, drive all the way out to the end - the gangway to D dock is between the Harbormaster's office and the heads. If you come by land, please bring whatever e-steering gear you want to show, a sandwich for yourself and a life jacket.

If I can get my boat back together I'll be there with both e-rudder and a new drogue. I think Iniscaw (the boat fka Solar Wind) will come over, and Al will hopefully have Bandicoot's Monitor and M-Rud fitted. Maybe Dura Mater will have her new sweep by then? We need more boats to show up so please pass the word. Maybe Max can post this on our Faceplant page?

 

[Philpott]

Maybe Dura Mater will have her new sweep by then?

Tomorrow/Tuesday I am meeting Cornelia Foster, a member of the Iron Oars, a whaleboat rowing group. She will show me their oars, 12, 14 and 16' respectively. She suggests that the 16' oar, made of Ash, would be strongest. She said that she would loan it to me after June 30, when their season is over until August. Dunno if I can talk her out of it for Saturday. I will, however, photograph and measure it. Any advice regarding a local woodworker who could make one? Iron Oars gets its oars from Oregon.

 

[sleddog]

For Spadefoot which is only 28 feet and 2700 pounds (modern Express 27) we are considering two options. Using the spinnaker pole attached to the stern lifelines and with lines led from the aft tip to the transom corners and forward to winches. The spinnaker pole would have a bit of chain attached to the aft tip and a halyard attached to the aft tip to keep the pole in the water the correct amount. The spinnaker pole idea isn't so different from the sweep idea except we already have a 9' 6" pole and the since it hinges at one tip and steered by control lines led to the aft tip it doesn't have to be as long as a sweep.

A sweep is a possible good solution for ER rudder near shore, coastal, and even Long Pac. Less so for a SHTP. Getting downwind under emergency steering is greatly facilitated by winging out jib(s). A wung out jib, or twins, keeps the bow downwind, aimed at Hawaii, and minimizes physically steering with the ER.

The problem with using a spinnaker pole for a sweep is you've eliminated efficiently winging out the jib. My preference is for a dedicated sweep, and retain the spinnaker poles for winging out.

An alternative to anchor chain to weight the sweep is a "foreguy." This line is attached to the sweep, and run forward, underwater, along the top of the keel root, then across the leading edge of the keel and up to the opposite rail. By tensioning on the "foreguy" the blade of the sweep can be pulled downward, underwater. Just don't run the engine in gear without removing the "foreguy."

 

[Wylieguy]

E.R. Practice

Bob & Co. I'm scheduled for a wedding reception on Saturday or I'd be there with my cassette E.R. I would add a very important (I think) item to the "E.R Kit" -- a method of removing the primary rudder. A bent rudder shaft sank the "Bismark" and would be a devil to overcome with most E.R.s. A dowel of the correct diameter and length and a method of banging it down and driving the rudder post out. And, for boats with packing glands under deck and thingies like that, a method of stopping the inflow of water. A cap with a method of keeping it on the lower tube - there's an amazing amount of water pressure working there. Even a boat with a rudder tube that comes up through the cockpit sole needs a method of stopping water from slopping in. -- Pat

Per this thread's header and a call from our Commodore yesterday: This coming Saturday (16 May) at Richmond Yacht Club. We'll meet at the end of D Dock or between D and E at 1000 to look at stuff, then those who can will take an observer or two aboard and head out around Noon. We'll be back by 1500 (maybe earlier if there aren't many boats).

If you're unfamiliar with RYC, E and D docks are the second and third docks on your left when you come into the harbor. If you turn into the second fairway (between D & E) there may also be a little space to tie up all the way in towards the shore. Otherwise we'll raft up on the end of D. From the land side, drive all the way out to the end - the gangway to D dock is between the Harbormaster's office and the heads. If you come by land, please bring whatever e-steering gear you want to show, a sandwich for yourself and a life jacket.

If I can get my boat back together I'll be there with both e-rudder and a new drogue. I think Iniscaw (the boat fka Solar Wind) will come over, and Al will hopefully have Bandicoot's Monitor and M-Rud fitted. Maybe Dura Mater will have her new sweep by then? We need more boats to show up so please pass the word. Maybe Max can post this on our Faceplant page?

 

[Lightspeed]

Lightspeed is at the end of E dock by California Condor. I will plan on backing her into the slip that day so the e-rudder cassette is easily viewable. If anyone wants to give the cassette & blade a try for themselves your welcome. If Gordie is around he can explain the construction. Sounds like a fun day, do we have any kind of a time frame?

 

[pogen]

Hi Kids,

I put up an announcement of this on the webpage, and there also should be an email to the membership coming out.

http://sfbaysss.org/main/emergency-rudder-show-n-tell/

If I missed anything important let me know please.

See our website's Resource section where there are two long articles linked on emergency rudders, as they say in Battlestar Galactica, "All of this has all happened before."

D.

 

[pogen]

A bent rudder shaft sank the "Bismark"

I think some torpedoes and bombs came in to play as well in their case.

 

[BobJ]

Hi Kids,

I put up an announcement of this on the webpage, and there also should be an email to the membership coming out.

http://sfbaysss.org/main/emergency-rudder-show-n-tell/

If I missed anything important let me know please.

See our website's Resource section where there are two long articles linked on emergency rudders, as they say in Battlestar Galactica, "All of this has all happened before."

D.

Thanks Pogs. (Bump)

 

[Wylieguy]

"BIsmark" Battle

"Righto," as the British gunners and pilots might have said. But, the reason "Bismark" was turning big donuts in the N. Atlantic waiting her sure fate, rather than making a bee-line for Norway was the fact that her rudders were jammed due to a torpedo hit from a 1930s era Fairy bi-plane earlier on. The plane was going so slow "Bismark's" fancy automatic aiming AA guns couldn't hit it.

I know the reference is a little obscure, but a bent rudder/shaft from whatever cause will provide headaches for whomever's trying to steer the boat. The "Bismark" crew didn't have those long dowels I'm suggesting, shortsighted on their part for sure, so just went round and round until the British Fleet closed in. I suppose a sailboat halfway to Hawaii could just go round and round while waiting for the container ship to track them down - hopefully with better results than the loss of several thousand sailors as in the North Atlantic. -- Pat

I think some torpedoes and bombs came in to play as well in their case.

 

[pogen]

The "Bismark" crew didn't have those long dowels I'm suggesting,

Those would have been some pretty big dowels.

I found one statement (on the Internet, so it must be true) that the Bismarck's rudder stocks were steel tubes 82cm OD, 30 cm ID. About 1.3 tons per foot of length.

I recently read C.S. Forester's Last Nine Days of the Bismarck, a very entertaining though not exactly unbiased view of the events.

 

[brianb]

Tomorrow/Tuesday I am meeting Cornelia Foster, a member of the Iron Oars, a whaleboat rowing group. She will show me their oars, 12, 14 and 16' respectively. She suggests that the 16' oar, made of Ash, would be strongest. She said that she would loan it to me after June 30, when their season is over until August. Dunno if I can talk her out of it for Saturday. I will, however, photograph and measure it. Any advice regarding a local woodworker who could make one? Iron Oars gets its oars from Oregon.

Hi Jackie, I have lost 3 rudders over the years. My J24 rudder snapped off on a race from the light ship, somewhere inside Pt Bonita. With a crew of 3 we steered the boat home to Richmond using the "sweep" constructed from the spin pole and interior panels we had pre drilled and equipped with U bolts, just in case we ever broke our rudder. We got to Richmond. The weekend crowd in Racoon had to be warned as we weaved our way through the boats. We steered in short shifts with this set up as it was very difficult to maintain a good course, and quite tiring. This led my next E rudder in the direction of a cassette and rudder, and when I had to use that it was super sweet, and put me in Hanalei Bay a day or so behind schedule.